Your stories: Travelling independently
Anne Lewis, recent guest editor of Insight magazine, tells us her experiences of travel
and transport.
Becoming independent
As a young person growing up with a visual impairment I've always been keen to
strike out and gain my independence, and I think travel can be the most important part
of that. Despite protective parents - my mum told me recently that she once thought
I'd never go anywhere by myself - I started using buses from the age of 11 to visit
school friends who lived 40 minutes away. I found out about the disability bus pass
around the age of 16 and I've definitely made the most of it over the years.
Moving to London
Since recently moving to London, I've also learnt about and applied for the London
equivalent - a Freedom Pass - which covers London Underground and Overground
services, buses and trams. These concessionary travel passes definitely facilitate
getting around and make the world of difference to maintaining independence in a
world where so many people are expected to drive. London buses also have a great
audio system for announcing upcoming stops - something which I hope networks
further afield might soon adopt too.
School taxis
Throughout secondary school, I was part of a free taxi pool, paid for and provided by
the local authority. I always felt this service was quite a luxury but one that I was very
grateful for all the same as, living in a distant village, I would have had to make
several unreliable changes by public transport. In some cases where children live
closer to their school I suppose a swap from private to public routes could have a
positive side effect, giving children a nudge into independent travel from a younger
age, as long as appropriate support is given until they're confident.
Unfamiliar journeys
If I have a new, unfamiliar journey to make these days I'll usually leave the house a
good few hours early, because time can always be wasted at the other end, rather than
coping with being lost, stressed and late somewhere in the middle.
Apps and techology to support independance
I find my iPhone has been invaluable in getting around since I bought one secondhand last year. I use the Transport for London Journey Planner app which shows
public transport times and connections. I then use Google Maps for any fiddly
walking bits, and then there's Twitter, email and text. So you're never lost with
modern gadgets about. And if the battery dies or credit's low, I always ask for help.
People are generally helpful, but if they're not, there's no harm done.
Further information
Planning your journey
Transport operators should be able to provide you with information but there are
many telephone numbers, websites and smartphone applications that can help too. For
example, "UK Train Times" is an iphone app available on the Apple store which can
tell you the names and distances of your nearest stations. It can also plan journeys and
provides live departure information.
The Describe Online website
www.describe-online.com provides text guides for stations and transport hubs for
national Rail, transport for London and national Tramways and Metro services. If you
are travelling in London, Transport for Londons's online journey planner at
www.tfl.gov.uk is accessible and provides live bus and train departure boards which
can be checked on the internet or from your mobile phone.
Try a Train Days
These events are designed to help blind and partially sighted people and familiarise
themselves with trains and stations. You can find out about Try a Train Days in your
area by contacting your local train operator. To find your local train operator contact
National rail Enquiries on 08457 484950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
Interested in writing for us?
To find out how you can write or guest edit the next edition of RNIB's Insight
magazine, the leading magazine for parents and professionals supporting blind and
partially sighted children and young people, email cypf@rnib.org.uk